Today marks the 25th anniversary of the start of the NATO bombing of the then Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, and that anniversary will be marked by a series of commemorative events, Beta news agency writes.
In 11 weeks, according to estimates from various sources, about 2,500 civilians and about 1,000 soldiers and policemen died.
In the bombing, which lasted 78 days, state infrastructure, economic facilities, health facilities, media houses, cultural monuments and military facilities were severely damaged.
The targets of NATO bombers were also refineries, the chemical industry and large substations, which caused severe consequences for the health of the population.
The decision to bomb the then FR Yugoslavia was made, for the first time in history, without the approval of the United Nations Security Council, and the order was issued to the then commander of the allied forces, American General Wesley Clark, by NATO Secretary General Javier Solana.
FR Yugoslavia was bombed after the failed negotiations in Rambouillet and Paris on the future status of Kosovo, for which Serbia was accused.
The bombing of Yugoslavia ended on June 10, with the adoption of Resolution 1244 of the UN Security Council.
The commemoration of the Day of Remembrance for the victims in Prokuplje, starting at 8:00 p.m., will be attended by the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić.
During the day, in the Tašmajdan park in Belgrade, wreaths will be laid separately at the Memorial to the children killed during the NATO bombing by representatives of the Government of Serbia and political parties.
Photo: illustration
